Help me pick between two Grand canyon areas

[Traveldude]

Sorry, I think I disagree with that first statement. I believe and many others that there is some boring rides around the midwest. Why do I find flatlands boring? In this part of the country there is corn and bean fields in all directions for hours. The random farmhouse or patch of woods isn't enough to enjoy for me. I enjoy mountains, lush forest, bodies of water, etc. I see you live in washington state I don't think I'd be wrong saying your not short of any scenic drives. I need to travel at least 3-4 just for small hills and thick forest.

[Midwest Michael]

If you think you're going to find nothing, then you will find nothing. If you assume that a bean field in Illinois is the same as a corn field in Kansas, and all that's there is corn, then that's exactly what you'll find.

I've taken many roadtrips that have never left the midwest/great plains, and some of my most enjoyable times took place in Iowa, Nebraska, The Dakotas, and even Illinois.

I don't expect your attitude to change, but I do feel sorry for you. You're going to miss a lot of great things along the way.

[PNW Judy]

Sorry, I think I disagree with that first statement. I believe and many others that there is some boring rides around the midwest. Why do I find flatlands boring? In this part of the country there is corn and bean fields in all directions for hours. The random farmhouse or patch of woods isn't enough to enjoy for me. I enjoy mountains, lush forest, bodies of water, etc. I see you live in washington state I don't think I'd be wrong saying your not short of any scenic drives. I need to travel at least 3-4 just for small hills and thick forest.

It sounds like familiarity has bred some contempt. Yes, I do live in an area with trees, beaches, etc. And there are quite a few people who live here who think it's boring, too! Sound familiar?

Funny...my first trip through the areas you're going to be traveling through was with a caravan of other cars. About half the drivers were bored to tears saying the desert looked the same and was boring. I found those same nuanced changes fascinating.

It's all mind-set. Look for the nuanced changes and you'll find that there's a lot more out there to fascinate you than you think there is. Personally, the week I spent last summer driving roads with the same type of wheatfields you're describing was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever taken.

I hope you enjoy your trip....all of it. Happy travels!

[Traveldude]

You should leave the midwest before defending it against actual scenery. Please don't feel sorry for me just feel sorry I live in central Illinois. I feel bad for you for not leaving the midwest yet. I've been through Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, I even stayed a week in South Dakota. Living my whole life near the Illinois Indiana border I feel I've experienced enough of the midwest and high plains to form this opinion. Then I can say I've been to Maine and all the New England states, out west to California by car, been to Vegas, Yellowstone, Florida, Black Hills, all over basically. I know good scenery when I'm driving through it. Also, Judy had a very good point about being so familiar with one place I'm looking harder for change. Thanks for your thoughts guys.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I feel bad for you for not leaving the midwest yet.

I think you are missing the point here -- Michael has traveled all over the country -- his point was that one can scenic beauty and unusual roadside attractions anywhere -- in many ways, especially in places that other find so easy to dismiss.

Living my whole life near the Illinois Indiana border I feel I've experienced enough of the midwest and high plains to form this opinion.

You can hold any opinion you want, but being able to express a point of view, on this public forum, that runs counter to the road trip philosophy that governs this site -- is not as likely. I think everyone understands each other's point of view on this topic and its time to move on. Best of fortune to you as you plan your trip.

Mark